At the same time on Easter Island, Teresa and Sophie were walking over some grassy hills, a couple of trees dotted around them. A sharp chill crept down Teresa's spine causing her stop walking.

“What is it?” Sophie asked, catching up to her and noticing her strange look.

“I just had a bad feeling,” Teresa said, still looking slightly unnerved.

“Like what?” Sophie questioned.

“It’s nothing. Come on, we are not far away,” Teresa changed the subject, beginning to walk again.

Sophie shrugged making nothing more of it. They soon arrived at a small cozy hut, a mixture of weatherboards and corrugated iron created its exterior, and a pleasant red door blocked their entrance. It had a symbol of one of the giant stone heads on the door.

“This is the place,” Teresa said, placing a hand on the door and giving it a push. It squeaked open reluctantly, opening to a warm interior, it was mainly one big room, with a couple of doors leading off to a bedroom and the bathroom. A wooden kitchen sat against the far wall of the open plan lounge, and a beautiful old couch sat grandly in the middle of the room in front of an open fireplace.

“What is this place?” Sophie asked, following her into the hut.

“This is one of the places that she resides,” Teresa said, motioning to a photo on the mantel piece.

Sophie walked over and took a close look, “Is that Master Hyung?” she asked, looking at the young man in the picture.

“Yeah,” Teresa replied, “The girl next to him is his younger sister Poi. She sometimes lives here, but it looks like she hasn't been here for quite some time.”

“I thought we came here to investigate a located Trumpet,” Sophie asked, placing the photo back down.

“We are,” Teresa continued, “But if she was here then our investigation would be complete.”

“Does she hold one of the blades?” Sophie asked, looking down at Shizen.

A loud howl outside broke their conversation. Sophie and Teresa walked outside, and saw a large dog limping slowly towards the house.

Teresa looked at Sophie, “Is it alone?”

Sophie shut her eyes, holding out Shizen. “There is nothing around for miles. She has got a nasty cut on her leg,” she continued, sheathing Shizen before bending down to examine it.

“She seems friendly enough,” Teresa stated, looking around cautiously, “Bring her in so we can get that bandaged.”

Sophie took the dog inside and got a first aid kit out of her pack. “We will have you as good as new in no time!” she smiled at the dog.

“What’s a dog doing way up here?” Teresa thought out loud.

“Maybe Poi looked after her? She seems quite domesticated,” Sophie said with a thoughtful look.

Teresa shrugged, petting the dog on the head. “Who’s a good girl?” she cooed.

“So where do we start with this trumpet?” Sophie asked, wrapping the bandage around the dog’s leg.

Teresa thought for a moment, “There is a cave that leads deep into the mountain. Its entrance starts about two kilometers north of here. We will check that out tomorrow.”

The dog walked over to a mat, lying down in front of the fireplace. Teresa watched Sophie pack up her first aid kit, “You really care for animals don’t you? I would have just left it.”

Sophie smiled, “Yeah... My parents would never let me have a pet, but I always wanted a dog.”

“Why didn’t they let you have one?” Teresa asked, slumping into an arm chair.

“They had a weird ‘A clean house is a happy house’ policy. I never understood it. But they are my parents so what could I do?” a sad expression formed on her face.

“And so how about Nathan? It feels like we never finished our previous conversation. How long have you liked him for?” Teresa asked abruptly, causing Sophie to blush.

Sophie zipped her bag slowly, “A while I guess...?

“Hun, it was obvious from the first time I met you. I may be the monster you see before you, but I am still a woman. He probably won’t do anything thought, but that’s men aye?” Teresa let out a laugh.

Sophie was still blushing, “I don’t know what to do... I don’t want to make things awkward between us...”

Teresa’s face suddenly changed and sadness flooded her eyes, “I was in love once…” in a flash her little book was in her hand and she was furiously flipping through the frayed pages, and abruptly leaving the room.

Sophie stared in amazement at the scene that had just unfolded. What was that book? She wondered, settling down and relaxing on the couch, “Well, I guess we will be leaving here tomorrow,” she said lightly to the dog lying on the rug.

Early the next morning, Sophie was fast asleep on the couch, Teresa had put a blanket over her during the night.

“Wake up sleepy,” a wide awake Teresa yelled, prodding a sleeping Sophie.

“What time is it?” Sophie asked, slowly regaining consciousness.

“Time to be awake and enjoying the world!” Teresa replied swiftly in a boisterous tone. She had obviously gotten over whatever had been troubling her the previous night.

“Do you ever sleep?” Sophie rubbed her eyes as she spoke.

“What can I say,” Teresa said, leaning close, “I’m a morning person.”

Sophie let out a groan, playfully throwing her pillow at Teresa, “Grr, You’re nearly as annoying as Paige!”

“Mmm,” Teresa replied with a smile, “That’s why I didn’t get her to come with me.”

Sophie laughed at Teresa’s bluntness.

“Now let’s go. We have to get to the cave before sunrise,” Teresa said, walking towards the door.

“I bet the others aren’t getting up at 4.30am,” Sophie said as she glanced at her watch.

“I bet the others aren’t going caving!” Teresa declared.

Sophie threw on some brown pants and a black singlet, throwing her green cloak on over the top, and soon the two of them were walking through the dewy grassy hills.

The floral aroma seemed to be dripping off the few scattered trees as they walked past.

“Someone's close,” Sophie whispered to Teresa.

They both stopped and listened. They heard a rustling in a bush near them.

“Don't worry,” Sophie broke the silence, letting out a breath, “It’s just that dog.”

The dog limped out and Sophie bent down to pet it.

“You shouldn't make friends with those creatures,” Teresa said with a weird face.

“I love dogs!” Sophie replied.

“Well get rid of it. We can't have it following us, making all that noise,” Teresa tapped her foot to show she was waiting.

“How am I supposed to do that?” Sophie responded with a slight whine.

“Throw rocks at it? Tell it you don't love it anymore? I don't know! You’re the animal lover!”

Sophie made a vine into a leash and tied the dog to a nearby tree, “We will be back soon, I’m sorry girl, but we can't have you following us,” she whispered in its ear, petting its head.

The dog let out a whimper, watching the two of them walk off.

It was another hour before they reached the cave. Teresa turned to Sophie, “This is the cave I was talking about.”

“What do you think is inside??” Sophie asked, peering into the dark mouth of the cave.

“I am hoping nothing. But I have a feeling that won’t be the case,” Teresa stated, already climbing over rocks and staying close to the wall.

Up ahead, they could see a flickering light coming from a small room-like cavern inside the cave. They could hear voices coming from inside. Teresa signalled for Sophie to stop and the two of them listened in.

“Why do I always get stuck with you?” one of the voices asked. It was a male voice and he had a British accent. “You’re such a savage. I would prefer someone who could actually hold a conversation,” The man continued.

“Tank smash Gin!” another voice appeared.

Tank and Gin? Sophie thought to herself. She looked over at Teresa and could see a troubled look on her face, Who are Tank and Gin?

This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

Their thoughts were interrupted by a large crash in the next room.

“Really Tank, You try that again and I will take over that tiny little brain of yours and get this done in peace,” they heard Gin say calmly

“Stay out of head!” Tank replied angrily.

Sophie looked through a crack that had appeared after the last crash and could now see into the room. She saw what appeared to be a giant, He makes Slash appear small… His sheer size is incredible. She thought to herself.

He held in his hand a giant two handed hammer. On the other side of the room she could just make out another person. He was a tall thin man, impeccably dressed, with a top hat placed lightly on his head, “That must be Gin.”

“Don't hit the ground so hard. We want to find the trumpet in one piece,” Gin said.

“You dig then,” was Tank’s short reply.

“Can you just use that hammer’s power to dig them up? We have been here for days. If we don't get them soon then we will attract the attention of seismologists,” Gin seemed to be running out of patience.

“Power no work like that,” Tank said, swinging the hammer against the ground.

Teresa motioned for Sophie to stay where she was, before creeping into the room.

Sophie took hold of Shizen and watched through the crack.

“Well Gin, I didn't realize you did this sort of work? I thought you were above that,” she said in a mocking tone.

“’allo Teresa!” Gin said, turning around to face her, he had a smile on his face, “Finally this dull day gets exciting.”

“Who dis Gin?” Tank asked, pointing a massive finger at Teresa.

“She is an old acquaintance Tank. Nothing you need to bother with. Keep digging,” he replied calmly.

“What’s going on here Gin? You have been careless,” Teresa said not taking her eyes off him.

“You came here to talk me out of it?” he sat down at a table and chair he had in the cave.

“You know I know I couldn't,” Teresa said back to him.

“Your friend can come in to. She thinks far too much to hide from me,” Gin said, pouring himself a drink. He motioned the bottle towards Teresa, offering her a drink.

“No thanks,” Teresa politely refused.

“What about you, Missy?” he asked as Sophie entered the room, “Would you like a drink?”

“No,” Sophie replied, narrowing her eyes.

“Are you sure? It's gin...” he kept pushing.

“It is 6am Gin, I think you have a problem…” Teresa stated, nodding at Sophie.

Gin let out a hearty laugh, “You’re right you know! Clouds the judgment. You never know when you need to be on top form!” he said the last part with suspicion.

A beautiful golden sword leant against the wall of the cavern. Gin noticed Sophie staring at it but casually turned his gaze to Teresa, “What brings you to this magical cave?”

“We have come for the trumpet,” Teresa responded in a matter of fact tone.

“Oh good!” Gin grinned, “Then you can help Tank dig. He is taking forever. How about first to find it gets to keep it?” he offered.

“If you were a man of your word then that would be tempting, but I know you too well Gin.” Teresa scowled.

Sophie took the hint from Teresa and vines whipped out of the ground, imprisoning Gin and Tank around the wrists and ankles.

“That’s a fancy trick kid,” Gin laughed, before turning to the Giant, “Tank, get me out of this.”

Tank looked down, a confused expression covering his face. He gave his wrist a shake and the vine snapped easily. He then turned his focus to Sophie.

“Let me out Tank!” Gin commanded again.

“Tank smash Girl!” he lifted his hammer above his head and brought it down where Sophie was standing.

She jumped out of the way, her mind flashing back to the cave where she got her blade. He reminds me of that rock creature… Raze…

Shizen grew in thickness, changing to a red-brown colour. It now curved around into a cutlass shape.

She held it in front of her, just like Nathan had taught her, watching Tank swing at Teresa. Teresa only had her sword drawn, after the run in with Slash, she only had one of the great blades left.

This will get him, Sophie thought, a massive log ploughing through the side of the cave towards Tank. Just before it hit, the earth around him pushed upwards, diverting the log away.

“Enough!!” a deep voice bellowed from the entrance.

Spinning around, she saw a man in a dark hooded cloak enter the cave. His presence was overwhelming. Unimaginable strength seemed to be barely restrained, hidden weakly behind his black cloak. “It was a simple job Gin… I even sent the Earth Blade with you,” the figure spoke clearly, walking up to the trapped Englishman. The cave had gone silent, Teresa and Tank had both stopped to look at the new person.

“A simple job… Well you gave me a simple partner!” Gin pointed at Tank as he spoke.

He must be their boss… Sophie thought, watching the man move a small amount of dirt, and picking up what look like an old trumpet, dug up in the skirmish.

“Yes but let’s be honest here, Tanks not the one who got himself caught,” the figure said, motioning to the vines, “Grim accomplished his mission with no problem, but look at you.”

“Yes well, Grim has the benefit of not being alive now doesn’t he?” Gin shot back.

The dark figure approached Sophie softly, “Hello Sophie, such a pretty young thing. You don’t want to get caught up in this war.”

She stared defiantly at the terrifying man, “I am caught up in this war though.”

Even standing close to him, Sophie couldn’t make out any features. The shadow covering him seemed unnatural, almost as though he had placed it there to hide behind. He was a little taller than her, around Nathan’s height she guessed. He let out a gentle laugh, filled with evil intent, “Well you should at least be on the winning team. You should join us!”

“I am happy where I am thank you.”

“Very well…” the man turned his gaze to a shocked Teresa, “And as for you Teresa, I had such high hopes for you. Good thing your friend Jade isn’t the traitor type like you are… She is extremely handy to have around…”

As he spoke, the dog from earlier entered into the cave, letting out a long howl. The dark figure spun around, the howl echoing through the cavern. A thousand bats suddenly filled the room, appearing from nowhere to encircle the man with the trumpet. Sophie and Teresa stood, staring in amazement as three monkeys then entered the room, climbing up on the figure. Two of them climbed onto his head screeching and tearing at his face, while the third snatched the trumpet and ran out of the cave.

“Follow it!” Teresa yelled, giving chase through the rubble of the cave. Behind them they could still hear the squeal of bats, flying around the room.

“Where on earth did those animals come from?” Sophie shouted to Teresa over the noise of the bats.

“No idea. But we need to get out of this cave,” the dog overtook them as she was speaking.

They watched it run past, slowly morphing from the shape of a dog, running on two legs as it took on the shape of a human. Once outside the cave a woman stood facing them. She wore only cloth covering her chest and waist and had a three bladed steel claw attached to each wrist. She had very tanned skin, and a muscular build. Her dark brown hair, long and messy, as though she had just woken up. The three monkeys from earlier came up to her, climbing up her body and sitting on her shoulders. The monkey with the trumpet handed it to her and she patted its head.

“Come,” she said, motioning for them to follow.

Sophie and Teresa looked at each other with worried glances, but angry shouts from the cave made them run after the strange woman.

She ran ahead with a speed that made it hard for them to keep up. As they ran, the top edge of a cliff came into view. The strange woman stumbled, rolling a couple of times before disappearing clumsily over the ledge. Sophie and Teresa came to a stop at the edge of the cliff. Both with stunned expressions on their faces, peering over the edge to see where she had gone. The cliff dropped about twenty meters into the crashing waves below.

“You think she is ok?” Sophie asked, her voice a little shaky.

“I think she is fine,” Teresa replied, pointing to a rock where the woman was climbing out of the surf.

The strange woman waved at them, motioning for them to come down the cliff.

“You have got to be kidding me,” Sophie said, looking at the loose stones constructing the cliff face.

“What are you worried about?” Teresa gave her a weird look, pointing at Shizen.

Sophie laughed sheepishly, drawing her sword. Two vines wrapped around them tightly, lowering them to the rocks below.

As their feet touched the slippery rocks, they watched the strange woman disappear into a cave that was hidden from above. They carefully followed her, the waves braking on the rocks all around, occasionally spraying them with cool sea water. Entering the cave, they waited for their eyes to adjust before continuing deeper into the darkness. Glow worms littered the roof of the cave and seemed to light the way for them. The noise from the roaring waves had ceased now, and all they could hear was the sound of their own breath and the dripping of water dropping to the rocky floor of the cave.

The cave split into two separate halls, the glow worms dimly lit the one on the right, but did not make a presence in the left one.

“I guess we follow the light,” Teresa said with a shrug.

“I guess so,” Sophie muttered, “But why do we trust this person?” she continued with uncertainty.

“I don’t know! She is your dog!” Teresa laughed.

“Why are you so calm about her?” Sophie shot, some annoyance colouring her voice.

“Because, she was obviously not with our known enemies, which makes her an ally in my books,” Teresa stated, walking down the hall to the right.

A loud thud from close by made them both jump, hurrying their pace.

“Are you ok?” Sophie called into the darkness.

No reply came. As they navigated around another corner, they saw a room that was lit by fire. Moving down the final corridor, they entered the lit room, they could see the lady rubbing her head, rummaging through a box in the corner.

“Are you ok?” Sophie asked with concern.

The woman turned around, a small amount of blood running down her forehead.

“What did you do?” Sophie asked, walking up to her.

“I hit my head on the rock,” she stated in what sounded like a South American accent, pointing to a low part in the cave.

“I can clean that up for you,” Sophie offered as the woman sat down.

The box she was looking in contained various first aid supplies.

Teresa pointed to the bandage on her ankle, the one Sophie had put on when she was a dog, “How did you do that?”

She looked away slightly blushing, “I went to scratch my ankle, and I forgot I had my claws on.”

“What’s your name?” Sophie asked, disinfecting her head.

“My name... My name is Mei-Gan… I am the keeper of the eleventh blade, Dobutsu. I can form myself into an animal, and also control nearly anything that is alive, but isn't a human,” Mei-Gan stated proudly.

“Why are you helping us?” Teresa asked, sitting on a smooth rock.

“I'm not,” Mei-Gan replied, “I am helping Poi. I have no idea who you people are.”

“Is that why you came to the hut?” Sophie added, fidgeting with the lid of the first aid kit before setting to work on the ankle, cleaning it up properly.

“Yes, I thought it was Poi coming back. She has not been here for a while, and I thought she may be returning after hearing about the disturbances in the mountain,” Mei-Gan said, watching Sophie finish placing a plaster on her head.

“Did Poi know the trumpet was there?” Teresa asked, pointing at the old trumpet lying on a make-shift table.

“I’m not sure. I think she is a little crazy. She only told me to watch this Island, so I think she must have known something about it.” Mei-Gan picked up a drink bottle, taking a sip before continuing, “However, she hasn't been here for a few years now. So when you two arrived, I wondered if she had been captured.”

“Is that why you came as the dog? To see who we were?” Sophie took a seat near Teresa.

“You cannot be too careful. I was surprised that you both trusted me enough to follow,” Mei-Gan responded to Sophie’s question.

“Well you were not with our obvious enemies so that’s usually a good start,” Teresa said, standing up with a stretch.

“Who was the last person who entered the cave? He was so creepy!” Sophie asked.

“I'm not sure. I haven't seen any of them before, but he seemed to be their leader,” Mei-Gan replied standing up.

Teresa shook her head, “I don’t even know who that was, and I have met most of that sect… What’s your next plan Mei-Gan? They will be looking for us now.”

“I need to leave the island now,” she said, walking towards the exit.

“Wait, we need to come with you or take the trumpet,” Teresa said standing up and placing a hand on her sword.

Mei-Gan turned to face her and placed a hand up, “There is no need for violence. You may come with me, but the trumpet remains with me also.”

They walked out of the cave and stood on the rocks, “So how do we get out of here?” Sophie asked, looking around.

“My blade is called Dobutsu, however my blades soul is Jonah,” she replied, walking to the water’s edge.

Teresa turned to Sophie, “In the scriptures, Jonah was eaten by a whale, and stayed in its stomach for 3 days and three nights.”

Sophie let out a sigh, “I have a bad feeling about this...”

As she was speaking, Mei-Gan formed into a large whale, opening her mouth.

Sophie turned away from her, “You have got to be kidding me. Can't we ride on your back or something?”

“Get in chicken,” Teresa said, pushing her into the darkness.

“Aww what’s that smell!” Sophie said, stepping onto the giant tongue, “Ever heard of mints?”

Teresa walked away from the teeth a bit. Sophie slowly followed her before throwing up.

“Ewww!! Don't throw up in my mouth!” the voice of

Mei-Gan appeared around them.

“Sorry, but the smell!” Sophie complained.

“You wanted to come with me. So deal with the smell.”

“Hey, you can control animals right?” Sophie asked.

“Sure can!” Mei-Gan replied proudly.

“So why don't you just call a whale over to carry us?” Sophie suggested.

“Ewww that would be so gross, riding in its mouth and all!” Mei-Gan replied in a disgusted tone

“Where are we going Monkey?” Teresa called out.

“We are heading to Rogue Island. That was the contingency plan,” Mei-Gan replied swiftly, moving her powerful tail, and disappearing beneath the breaking waves.